- Act III Scene I: Adding Color (November 16, 2015)
- Slideshow Test
- “Bawawethu” (December 3, 2015)
- Social Enterprise
- Acronym Dictionary
- Background
- About CTPC
- Blog
- Resource Library
- Welcome!
- Projects
- Projects Overview
- 2015
- Expanding Early Childhood Development Opportunities in an Informal Settlement
- Exploring New Outreach Models for Early Childhood Development
- Fostering Community at the Canterbury Street Lot
- Background Research
- Philosophy Behind Helping the Homeless
- Belonging and its Psychological Impact on Street People
- Establishing Social Inclusion in the Street Community
- Understanding Homelessness’ Role in Urban Development
- Investigating the Effect of Public Spaces on Cities
- Creating a Sense of Community Through Green Areas
- Commemorating the Street Community’s Lives
- Partnerships
- Planning
- Outcomes
- Resources
- Background Research
- Providing More than a Meal at Service Dining Rooms
- Upgrading the K2 Informal Settlement through Community Collaboration
- Background Research
- Planning Pages
- The Partnership
- K2 Journey
- Act I Scene I: New Beginnings (October 22, 2015)
- Act I Scene II: Getting lost in the K2 Maze (October 23, 2015)
- Act I Scene III: The Outsiders (October 26, 2015)
- Act II Scene I: Touring Tuesday (November 10, 2015)
- Act II Scene II: Trouble in K2 (November 16, 2015)
- Act III Scene I: Luncheon: A Change of Scenery (November 17, 2015)
- Act III Scene II: Adding Colour (November 20, 2015)
- Act III Scene III: “Bawawethu” (December 3, 2015)
- Act III Scene IV: Financial Contribution: One Step at a Time (December 7, 2015)
- Project Outcomes
- Project Resources
- References
- Women’s Empowerment through Increased Access and Understanding of Technology
- Background Research
- Partnership
- Planning
- Process Narrative
- Outcomes
- Project Resources
- References
- 2014
- Empowerment through Improving Facilities at the Sizakuyenza Safe House
- The Big Issue Goes Online: Creating a Vendor-Run Profiling Program
- Early Childhood and Community Development in Flamingo Crescent
- Background Research
- Challenges of Early Childhood Development in South Africa
- Crèche Regulations and Finances
- Best Practices for Crèche Development
- Determinants of Crèche Quality
- The Effect of Playground Design on Child Development
- The Effect of Playground Design on Communities
- Developmental Benefits of Recreational Space
- Public Space Inequality in South Africa
- Recyclable Playgrounds
- Flamingo Crescent Informal Settlement
- Planning and Methods
- The Partnership
- The Play by Play
- Project Outcomes
- Resources
- Background Research
- An Entrepreneurial Initiative for Distributing Energy Efficient Products in Low Income Communities
- Background
- Planning
- Partnerships
- Project Narrative
- Act 1: Adapting our Project
- Act 2: Finding Distribution Centers
- Scene 1: Creating Interest in Wonderbags
- Scene 2: First Trip to an Informal Settlement
- Scene 3: Looking for New Products
- Scene 4: Gathering Community Energy and Crèche Information
- Scene 5: A Visit to Flamingo
- Scene 6: Just Do It: Three Crèche Visits
- Scene 7: The Reality of Low Income Areas
- Scene 8: A College for Kiddies
- Act 3: Establishing Pilot Programs
- Scene 1: Pilot Program
- Scene 2: A Second Pilot Program
- Scene 3: Sustainable Sales
- Scene 4: Low Income Energy Services Task Team Meeting
- Scene 5: Lunch at the Crèche
- Scene 6: Exploring Other Products
- Scene 7: Graduation
- Scene 8: Enjoying Electricity
- Scene 9: Collaboration for Future Implementation
- Scene 10: Keep Smiling
- Epilogue
- Outcomes
- References
- Expanding Health, Education, and Wellbeing Services and Analyzing the Effects of Underlying Social Complexities on WaSH-UP
- Background Research
- Mission & Objectives
- Cast of Characters
- Process Narrative: Our Journey
- Project Outcomes: Not Just Toilets Anymore!
- Epilogue
- WaSH-UP Sustainable Livelihoods and Business Operations
- Mission and Objectives Overview
- Background Research
- Informal Settlements in South Africa: Langrug Community
- Shared Action Learning (SAL)
- Community Assets
- What Business Institutions/Models Would Best Serve the Community?
- How to Start a Small Business in Informal Settlements
- Possible Models for Small Businesses and Savings Groups
- Ethical Considerations
- Research Questions
- Sources and References
- The Partnership
- Acts and Scenes
- Project Outcomes
- Reflection and Growth during the IQP Journey
- 2013
- Blue Sky Recycling Programme
- Community Mobilisation Through Reblocking in Flamingo Crescent
- The Partnership
- Welcome to Flamingo Crescent
- Background Research
- Methodology: Shared Action Learning
- Project Narrative
- Act 1: Trial and Error
- Scene 1: First Meeting with Levona
- Scene 2: An Introduction to 7de Laan
- Scene 3: Beginnings of Turmoil
- Scene 4: Finding Hope
- Scene 5: A Motivation for our Work
- Scene 6: Red Hill Settlement Tour Highlights Opportunities
- Scene 7: City Mission Visit Illuminates the Option of Reblocking
- Scene 8: Meeting the Key Planners
- Scene 9: First Weekly Meeting Causes Confusion
- Scene 10: Subcouncil Meeting Eases Worries
- Scene 11: A Raw and Unexpected Story
- Scene 12: Ethiopian Experience
- Scene 13: Shack Demolition
- Scene 14: Engineering the Future
- Scene 15: Public Meeting in 7de Laan
- Act 1 Reflection
- Act 2: Testing the Waters
- Scene 1: A Taste of Flamingo
- Scene 2: Getting to know the Community Leaders
- Scene 3: Cluster Meetings in Flamingo
- Scene 4: Introduction to Mtshini Wam
- Scene 5: Kuku Town Visit Provides Example
- Scene 6: All Parties Come Together
- Scene 7: Library Networking
- Scene 8: Communication and Enumeration
- Act 2 Reflection
- Act 3: Taking Care of Business
- Scene 1: Meeting the Contractors
- Scene 2: Breaking Ground
- Scene 3: If You Build It They Will Come
- Scene 4: Visiting ELRU Opens Doors for a Crèche in Flamingo
- Scene 5: A Living Virtue
- Scene 6: Meeting a New Potential Stakeholder
- Scene 7: Meeting with the CECD: “Let’s do it.”
- Scene 8: Bringing Green Innovation to the Crèche
- Scene 9: Final Stakeholder Meeting
- Scene 10: Saying Goodbye to Flamingo Crescent
- Act 3 Reflection
- Student Reflections
- Act 1: Trial and Error
- Resources and References
- Community Mobilisation Through Reblocking: An Interactive Upgrading Anthology
- Early Childhood Development Connection
- MGV Park Redevelopment
- Project Partners
- Project Outcomes
- Background Research
- Planning and Methods
- Process Narrative
- Act 1: The Beginning
- Scene 1: Arriving in Maitland Garden Village
- Scene 2: First Sight
- Scene 3: Meeting with the Project Members
- Scene 4: Community Survey
- Scene 5: Working with Co-Researchers
- Scene 6: Village Day
- Scene 7: Monday’s Meeting with Jude
- Scene 8: Monday’s Meeting with Co-Researchers
- Scene 9: Discouraging Moment
- Scene 10: Setting up the Fantasy Playscape Activity with the Crèche
- Act 2: A New Hope
- Act 3: Getting the Ball Rolling
- Personal Reflections
- Act 1: The Beginning
- Resources
- WaSH-UP
- 2012
- Capacity Building of a Community Based Organisation in Maitland Garden Village
- Meet the Team
- Background Research and Preparation
- Ethical Considerations
- Cape Town Project Centre Context
- Sponsors
- Project Work on Site
- Cast of Characters
- Meetings
- Organisational Profiles
- Act 1: Finding our Footing
- Scene 1: First Encounter with Maitland Garden Village (MGV)
- Scene 2: Tour of Maitland Garden Village
- Scene 3: Ronell’s Sight into the Help Centre
- Scene 4: First Look at the Potential Venue
- Scene 5: Getting to Know the People We are Working With
- Scene 6: Tour Of Oude Molen
- Scene 7: Village Day
- Scene 8: Monday Morning Meeting
- Scene 9: Meeting at MGV Community Centre
- Reflection and Moving Forward
- Act 2: Building Support
- Act 3: Strategy and Execution
- Envisioning a Black River Pathway: Creating a Heritage Destination through Social Development
- Research & Planning
- Cast of Characters
- Ethical Considerations
- Acts and Scenes
- Act One: Getting Started
- Scene Eight: Maitland Garden Village Day
- Scene Five: Faces of Oude Molen Eco Village
- Scene Four: First Meeting with our Sponsors
- Scene One: The First Pathway Experience
- Scene Seven: Visiting Company’s Garden
- Scene Six: A Presentation to our Sponsors
- Scene Three: Walking the Desire Lines
- Scene Two: Tour of Maitland Garden Village
- Act Two: Developing Relationships
- Act Three: Absorbing Information
- Act Four: Meeting with the City
- Act Five: Wrapping Up
- Act One: Getting Started
- Resources & References
- Laying the Foundation for a Resilient Partnership: Innovative Upgrading in the Informal Settlement of Langrug
- Welcome to Langrug
- Background Research
- Cast of Characters
- Primary Project Focuses
- Acts and Scenes: Our Observations and Reflections
- Act 1: Jumping Right In
- Act 2: Planning and Moving Forward
- Discussing the Needs of the Community and How the MPC Can Help
- Making the Decision to Move Forward with the Multi-Purpose Centre
- Reblocking Guidebook Discussion
- Re-Measuring for Reblocking
- Spacing Out ReBlocking
- Fire In Zwelitsha
- Lunch Scene
- Working Team Arguments
- Playing Games
- Introductions at the Municipality: A Revelation
- Amanda Realises the Importance of Documentation
- The Working Team Presents to the Municipality
- How Simple Office Supplies Can Spark Progress
- Further Difficulty with Planning
- Learning How to Do (and Teach) a Cost Analysis
- Act 3: Making Decisions
- Working Group Expresses Community Urgency
- Impromptu Meeting with Dawie
- Meeting with Scott: Ending a Day of Confusion
- Partnership Meeting 13 November
- Alfred’s Presence in Langrug
- Realising the Greywater Cleaning Problems
- Working Group’s Apparent Lack of Trust in the Municipality: Putting Together a Report
- Tensions Regarding Community Contributions and the MPC
- Act 4: WaSH Construction
- Act 5: Our Reflections
- Rooftop Gardens for Sustainable Livelihoods in Cape Town
- Supporting Reblocking and Community Development in Mtshini Wam
- Capacity Building of a Community Based Organisation in Maitland Garden Village
- 2011
- Addressing Greywater Management Issues in Langrug Using a Sustainable Reiterative Process
- Black River Corridor: Visions for Restoration and Recreational Use
- Envisioning the Future Development of Oude Molen Eco Village
- Supporting Asset Based Community Development in Maitland Garden Village
- Chapter 1: What is the best way to aid a community in a sustainable and positive way?
- Chapter 2: How does one lay the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship?
- Chapter 3: What communication tools can be utilised to gauge a community’s aspirations?
- Chapter 4: What is the best way to show gratitude and initiate community driven action?
- Chapter 5: What is the best approach to gain governmental participation in preparation for a community programme?
- Chapter 6: How do you structure a meeting so the attendees become participants and truly invested?
- Chapter 7: How can MGV continue to develop through mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring communities?
- Epilogue: What does the future hold?
- Acknowledgements
- Team Interviews
- Photo Gallery
- Downloads and References
- Sustainable Livelihoods Through Beekeeping
- WaSHUp: Innovating Water Sanitation and Hygiene Upgrading in Langrug
- Langrug
- Meet the Team
- Water and Sanitation in Langrug
- Mapped Facility 1
- Mapped Facility 10
- Mapped Facility 2
- Mapped Facility 3
- Mapped Facility 4
- Mapped Facility 5
- Mapped Facility 6
- Mapped Facility 7
- Mapped Facility 8
- Mapped Facility 9
- Mapped Facility 11
- Mapped Facility 12
- Mapped Facility 13
- Mapped Facility 14
- Mapped Facility 15
- Mapped Facility 16
- Mapped Facility 17
- Mapped Facility 18
- Mapped Facility 19
- Mapped Facility 20
- Mapped Facility 21
- Partnerships in Langrug: A Model for the Future
- Community-Driven Development
- Community WaSHUp Spaces
- Multi-Purpose WaSHUp Facility
- Future
- Supplemental Material
- 2010
- Profiling Community Assets
- Collaborative Construction
- Stormwater Management
- Strengthening Spaza Shops
- Supporting Early Childhood Development
- Initiation Site Development
- Meet the Team
- Project
- Good Hope Initiation Site Proposal
- Objectives
- Background
- A Historic Perspective of the Initiation Ritual
- Challenges of Initiation
- Limited Physical Space and Lack of Seclusion
- Building and Burning of Initiation Huts
- Challenges of Initiation in an Urban Environment
- Economic Challenges for Initiates
- Health Concerns during the Initiation Process
- Malnutrition during the Seclusion Period
- Psychological Challenges Faced by Initiates
- Conflicts Between Traditional Leaders and Authorities
- Government Actions in the Initiation Community
- Methodology
- Project Resources
- Acknowledgements
- Co-Researchers
- 2009
- Buildings
- Communications
- Economy
- Energy
- Gardens
- Mapping and Planning
- Water & Sanitation
- Accomplishments
- Background
- Current Conditions and Common Practices within Monwabisi Park
- Establishing Collaborations
- Future Testing
- History of Water and Sanitation in South Africa
- Learning by Example: Case Studies
- Meet the Team
- Methodology
- Monwabisi Park as a Model for Redevelopment
- Our Partners
- Project Resources
- The Sanitation Centre
- 2008
- 2007
- Contact Us
- Communications
- WaSH
- First Week Plans
- Pre-Travel Planning
- Interactions
- Meeting Strategies
- Shared Action Learning
- Mission Statement and Objectives
- Methodology
- Ethics
- Interview Planning
- Week One Plan
- Beyond Week One
- Cast of Characters
- Welcome to Langrug
- Key Areas of Focus
- References
- CTPC Context
- Setting the Stage
- Sponsor: Community Organisation Resource Centre
- Sponsor: Department of Integrated Human Settlements
- Cast of Characters
- Project Planning
- References
Introduction
More than 800 million people reside in slums worldwide, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America (Centre, 2010). These people often live under threat of eviction, without permanent housing, sufficient living space, or access to clean water (UN-Habitat, 2007). In South Africa, decades of legal and social inequity have led to large populations living in informal slums in and around urban areas. Apartheid legislation forced non-Europeans from urban centres into underdeveloped townships, whose severe lack of housing forced many to build their own improvised shacks. A dependence on urban areas for jobs also contributed to the growth of slums, as the non-Europeans forced out of the city flocked back to overpopulated areas to find work.
These slums contain a variety of issues related to their informality and crowding. First and foremost is the lack of space – families and shacks are crammed into almost every open space. This limits emergency vehicle access, preventing emergency services from reaching the settlements. The shacks themselves are made from a variety of low cost or discarded material – usually wood, zinc, or plastic. The heavy use of wood and crowding creates an extreme fire risk for most settlements. In terms of services, most settlements lack or have limited access to water, electricity, and proper sanitation. Beyond the physical settlement are the social issues. Most settlements lack representation, schooling, and community spaces like gardens or parks.
Reblocking is a form of informal settlement upgrading – a process intended to improve the living conditions of a community. The basic idea of reblocking is to rearrange a settlement’s structures for better service provision by the City, better community layout, and easier access for emergency services. At this point, CORC and ISN also work with community members to replace their existing shacks with improved ones, providing 80% of the funding, and obtaining materials for the new structure. Within this process, there are also considerations made for smaller social initiatives to provide a more holistic upgrade rather than simple a structural one.
Reblocking is a relatively new process, with only one project having been nearly completed in collaboration between the City of Cape Town and NGOs as of this writing. That means that while the essential ideas of reorganization, infrastructure provision, and structure improvement are well defined, the specifics of how to implement those ideas are not. Part this project’s goal was to provide an example for future reblocking projects by documenting the methods and ideas of our partnership. The organization of information in the document does not follow a formal methodology since the situation in Flamingo Crescent cannot be generalized to that extent, but instead serve as an example and point of reference for approaching new projects.